Metal News for December 7, 2010

We post metal news every day, throughout the day, covering thousands of metal bands including underground and unsigned bands. You are currently browsing the news archive, but you can also find news by band.

41 news articles posted on this day.

Phoenix, Arizona technical hardcore act Overcome has announced its signing with Facedown Records. The signing comes in time for the band to release its forthcoming studio album. The new album, titled "The Great Campaign of Sabotage," is set for release on February 1st, 2011 through Facedown Records.

The first single from "The Great Campaign of Sabotage," titled "Alone in a Crowd," is available for streaming at this location.

U.K. technical metalcore act Architects have posted a new trailer online to promote its forthcoming studio album "The Here and Now." The new album will see its North American release on January 25, 2011 through Century Media Records in the United States and through Distort Entertainment in Canada.

European doom veterans Candlemass have revealed the datails surrounding its forthcoming "Doomology" Boxset. The retrospective boxset, which is set for release on December 18, 2010, will feature the following items and tracklistings:

CD 1: First Gig Ever In Jönköping, 19871. Intro2. Crystal Ball3. Under The Oak4. Bewitched5. Demon's Gate6. The Well Of Souls7. A Sorcerer's Pledge8. Solitude

CD 2: Buckley Tivoli, 19881. Mirror Mirror2. Bewitched3. Solitude4. The Bells Of Acheron5. At The Gallows End6. Demon's Gate7. Bearer Of Pain8. Samarithan9. A Cry From The Crypt10. Dark Are The Veils Of Death11. The Well Of Souls12. A Sorcerer's Pledge

Iowa based solo death metal act Mortiferous Scorn is currently offering three albums as free MP3 downloads. All the tracks from the "Masochistic Therapy," "Schizophrenic Revelations," and "The Perfect Impurity" albums can be downloaded at this location. You can also check out sample Mortiferous Scorn tracks through the band's official MySpace page.

"The Extra Dimensional Wound," the second full-length album from California black metal legion Lightning Swords of Death, will see a vinyl release via Canonical Hours Records. The wax version will be released on December 15th as a deluxe gatefold LP featuring two 200-gram discs with a 12-page booklet and expanded artwork in a limited edition of 500 copies.

Commented the band in a collective statement: "If you enjoyed this release you MUST hear it on 200 gram vinyl as it was intended. We've also included a poster featuring new art."

"The Extra Dimensional Wound" was released earlier this year via Metal Blade Records. In conjunction with the vinyl release, the band will perform a pre-holiday one-off show with more dates to be announced in the coming weeks. The details are as follows:

Decibel has premiered a new track from Sodom's forthcoming release "In War and Pieces" on the Deciblog. The new song "Storm Raging Up" can be heard at this location.

January 11, 2011 is the North American street date for Sodom's new album, "In War And Pieces." The album is will be available in the following formats: regular CD, two-CD digipack, double vinyl, two-CD digipack with lanyard. "In War And Pieces" was produced by Waldemar Sorychta, who has previously worked with Tiamat, Moonspell, Lacuna Coil and Sentenced, among many others. The cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with Testament, Sigh, Anacrusis and GWAR.

We've been talking to bands and fans everywhere to get their favorite mosh pit stories. Last week's story focused on drinking, so this week let's take it up a notch to drugs. Jason Schmidt of California metalers Graf Orlock, shares his story from a remote corner of Australia:

Orange, New South Wales, Australia, June 2010. Graf Orlock and Dangers were doing a 3 week tour of this fair former penal colony, roughly 160 miles west of Sydney with a burgeoning population of 31,000. We played a rowdy and entertaining house show there, which was of particular historical interest because it appeared NO bands from out of town had ever played there. Whilst the mid-song running and punching was in full fiasco, there appeared to be an injured kid lying in the back of the room. Not only was this kid lying down, his face was a Violet Beauregarde color blue, and small tremors seemed to take over his half naked body. The ambulance people were called, his mom arrived, and his minor drug-induced seizure was put to rest in short order. Since then this house has been christened 'Seizure's Palace' and remains a highlight of our summer (winter) abroad.

Graf Orlock's new EP, "Doombox," is out January 18, 2011 on Vitriol Records. Known for insane artwork and elaborate packaging, Graf Orlock steps it up once again with Doombox -- a 30"x10"x10" fold-out cardstock "boombox" that houses the Doombox EP on CD and vinyl, plus a bonus CD containing Graf Orlock's entire "Destination Time" trilogy. Also known for its far-flung DIY world touring, Graf Orlock has repeatedly toured Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Europe, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the US, all on its own dime.

Jeff Waters, guitarist of the Canadian thrash veterans Annihilator, has posted the following statement online in regards to the passing of former Annihilator drummer Dave Machander:

"A few weeks ago (while I was touring in Europe), I got word that we lost a former member of Annihilator's touring lineup, Dave Machander. He passed away from cancer.

"Dave was a super-nice guy. I met him under stressful circumstances. In 1996, we did a record called 'Refresh The Demon'. Randy Black was our drummer then and I had bought everyone's plane tickets for our upcoming 'Refresh the Demon' Europe tour 1996.

"12 days BEFORE the tour was supposed to start, I get a call from Randy telling me that, if I did not pay him double+ the money I was to pay him for the tour that he would not come along and would join another Vancouver artist Bif Naked instead (as she apparently was offering more money). I told him that we could not afford this and that it is very, very wrong to hold us 'hostage' like this. He ended up leaving for Bif Naked (which ended up lasting one tour and he was out anyway!) but, more importantly, Randy Black left us with NO DRUMMER, a cancelled flight that I did not get my money back for and a tour in 12 days!!!

"12 days is wayyyy too short of a time to get someone to jump in and play an Annihilator set and I still had to hope I could find someone!!

"Dave Davis, our long-time guitar player, suggested his friend Dave Machander and thought he could handle the gig/pressure. I was not convinced but had no other option than to literally say 'you are in' before I even heard him play drums!

"We rehearsed on Vancouver Island, near where both Dave's lived. We had six rehearsals scheduled. Normally, for a drummer with us, headlining Europe, we would need 10 rehearsals.

"Many drummers play along with a 'click.' That is a cowbell kind of sound that keeps a time/beat in the drummer's earphones and lets him play close to perfect timing... it helps him zoom in and play tighter than without one. Well, Dave was not playing well to it. Turns out, he had never played to one before. I was in panic mode. So was everyone else. So by the fourth rehearsal of six, I was ready to cancel. Almost. Then Dave Davis said, 'Jeff, why don't we simply take Machander OFF the click and let him just 'feel' the music?'

"I said, 'Might as well try, Dave.'

"We did. INSTANTLY the guy played fantastic. Really good. Better than good. He then really only had two good rehearsals with us and then got on the plane with us and kicked fucking ass on that tour. The guy pulled through and stuck with it. Most guys would have quit after the first few rehearsals but he would not give up. And thanks to Dave Davis for the tour-saving suggestion!

"Anyway, I only saw/knew Dave Machander on that one tour with us. He was a biochemist, if I have my info right. A very smart guy and seemed to be a very nice guy, too!

"Send a thought out to him and his family. He was a good guy. And grab a loved one and give them a hug."

American deathcore heavyweights Whitechapel have revealed the dates for its forthcoming headline tour of North America. Support on the trek will come from The Acacia Strain, Veil Of Maya, Chelsea Grin and I Declare War. You can view the full list of dates, cities and venues below:

Knorkator have been the next act confirmed for the forthcoming edition of Wacken Open Air. Wacken 2011 is set to take place between August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2011 in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany.

Times Of Grace, the new project between Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam D and former Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach, has posted its second music video online for its debut album "The Hymn of a Broken Man." The new album is expected in stores on January 18th, 2011. You can view the video for "Where the Spirit Leads Me" below:

Scott "Wino" Weinrich has revealed the details surrounding his forthcoming acoustic solo album. The album, titled "Adrift" and the second solo album from Weinrich, is a tribute for friend and bandmate Jon Blank. "Adrift" is set for release in North America through Exile On Mainstream Records/E1 Entertainment on March 8, 2011.

Kampfar guitarist Thomas has posted the following statement online, announcing his departure from the band:

"After playing guitar in Kampfar for quite a few years, I have now decided to leave the band.

"I cannot even begin to sum up all the good times I've had together with my bandmates, and our close friendship will surely continue outside of the context of the band.

"I sincerely hope the guys will find another guitarist to play in the band (the riffs are not that hard to play and there are no solos, which could be seen as a plus or a minus depending on perspective.) On the stage, you'll only need to pay attention to Ask, since he knows how to keep in time. It is also best to watch out for Jon and Dolk as they are maniacs and will not stand still for a moment.

"To all the good people I've met through Kampfar. Take care and I'll see you around.

Christian act I, The Breather has teamed up with Noisecreep.com to post a video clip online for the song "Forgiven," which is off the band's new album "These Are My Sins." The music video can be viewed below.

Having recently returned from a stint on the "Blackest Of The Black" tour through North America playing alongside Danzig and Possessed (among many others), Swedish black metal squadron Marduk recently set out to destroy Asia. The tour kicked off this weekend in China and will pummel its way through Singapore and several locations in Indonesia before drawing to a close on December 12th.

In related news, Marduk is celebrating 20 years since forming in 1990. Regain will commemorate the band's 20th anniversary with a limited edition box set to be released in early 2011. Further details to be unveiled soon.

Toronto, Ontario’s Cancer Bats and Stereokiller.com are giving away a free download of the track "Scared to Death," which is taken from the band's April 2010 release, "Bears, Mayors, Scraps and Bones." Head to this location to download the track. Cancer Bats also has the following upcoming tour dates:

In September of 2008, Spain's Setge recorded its debut album "Cecs de Rabia, Cecs de Dolor" which was later self-released in November 2009. Setge signed to Xtreem Music for the release of album, which was pushed back due to line-up changes. The album will now see its official release on December 25th, 2010 through Xtreem Music. In the meantime you can listen to three songs off the new album through the band's official MySpace page at this location.

Portugal's Heavenwood has inked a worldwide, multi-album deal with Listenable Records. The band is currently mixing its fourth album, tentatively due in early 2011, with German producer Kristian "Kohle" Kohlmannslehner at Kohlekeller Studios.

Commented Heavenwood singer Ernesto Guerra: "We are very excited to be able to partner-up with Listenable. They’ve proven all these years to be hard work, honest and dedicated people to their bands and above all, they feel, understand and believe on our music as we do, and this seems the perfect combination for achieve our goals. I am very confident that with their involvement Heavenwood will reach the next level with 'Abyss Masterpiece,' our heavier, dark and intense album ever. “

The Project Hate MCMXCIX has announced the new album "Bleeding The New Apocalypse (Cum Victriciis In Manibus Armis)" is scheduled for a February 14th, 2011 European release, and February 22nd in the U.S. The cover artwork can be viewed here. The track listing is as follows:

Ava Inferi has announced the band's new album "Onyx" is scheduled for release on February 14th, 2011 in Europe and February 15th in the U.S. Guitarist Rune Eriksen comments on the album's artwork:

"(Witch)Crafted and dragged into sunlight by Costin Chioreanu / Twilight13Media (Absu, Grave, Demonical), this illustration portraits a more eerie visual side of Ava Inferi than our previous arts. A mysterious and sinister approach to AI's aesthetics indeed. I really feel that it connects with the album on a musical and lyrical level too, as it is creating some sort of a window into the fields of the inspirations behind this new offering.

"We have always dwelled in the more obscure side of things, and even though we have weaved an occasional Wiccan flame or Bacchanalian praise into our arts, we've always cherished and explored the aspects of 'horror.' With 'Onyx' we have definitely gone deeper into it. Anyway, Costin (who also did the clip for 'Last Sign of Summer') has really done a great job, and we are thankful and grateful for the dedication and hard work he put into this work. Multumesc foarte mult!!"

Switzerland's Requiem has checked in with the following update about recording new material:

"Today Reto already achieved the impossible. All drum tracks for all songs are already recorded although there might be a few details to record again or change. Everything's looking very good so far. The drum sound will be different than on the last albums but certainly very transparent and heavy as hell concerning Reto's fills and rolls. Andy Classen changed the working method a little bit compared to the recording sessions for 'Infiltrate...Obliterate...Dominate...' Definitely another reason for the fast and easy process so far.

"In order to make sure that everything is set up perfectly for the guitar recordings in 2-3 days tomorrow is booked for rechecking all drum parts and arrangements. Still a lot of editing and creative work to do but this is what we like ad love and live for. That's all for now my friends. Now it's time for Reto to be rewarded with awesome Greek food. Stin iya mas!!! Until Wednesday evening......"

Dukatalon is currently streaming its debut full-length "Saved By Fear" in its entirety online now via the Decibel Blog with track-by-track commentary. "Saved By Fear," the follow-up to the band's 2007 self-released, self-titled EP, has previously only been released in Israel by Sleeping Village Records. The album will see its worldwide release exclusively through Relapse Mailorder next Tuesday, December 14th.

Dukatalon has recently posted a series of high-definition live videos taped during the band's show at Levontin 7 in Tel Aviv, Israel at this location.

Tombs has entered Elmwood Recording studios in Dallas, TX with engineer John Congleton (BARONESS, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, BLACK MOUNTAIN, ST. VINCENT) to begin work on the follow-up album to "Winter Hours." The new album is expected to see a spring 2011 international release date with more details to be announced soon.

Tombs also recently released a 14 track collection of early material, tracks from split releases, and previously unreleased demos titled "Fear Is The Weapon." The "Fear Is The Weapon" track listing is as follows:

Zonaria has issued the following update about gearing up for new tour dates with Nile:

"Hey everyone! We're warming up for our tour with Nile and headlining show at Julslakten festival. Since our shop have been offline for quite some time we want to compensate all fans by having some crazy prices until we leave for the tour.

"And best of all - FREE SHIPPING - all over the world. If you want to check out the dates for the upcoming tour check out our new myspace at this location."

Phobia has issued the following announcement about recording new material for an upcoming split 7" album:

"Phobia recording for a new split 7" and for a 4 way 7" in a few days! We will be recording for a split 7" with Jesus cross and a killer for way with PLF, suffering minds and audio kollapse. These are long over do but with our awesome studio capability in Texas we will be knocking them out while on the last few days of this tour with eye hate god!"

Brutal Truth has announced three Southern California dates around the band's appearance as part of the 10th Anniversary Short, Fast + Loud Fest. The band is also getting ready to embark on a southern U.S. tour in support of the recent release of "Evolution Through Revolution." The upcoming Brutal Truth tour dates are as follows:

American thrash metal outfit Lazarus A.D. has announced that the name of their forthcoming new studio album will be, "Black Rivers Flow" and that it will hit the shelves via Metal Blade Records on February 1st. Frontman Jeff Paulick stated:

"First off, I have to say we are incredibly proud of Black Rivers Flow. It’s been three and a half years since we recorded our last album and we've grown a lot since then. During the writing process for Black Rivers Flow we were dealing with great personal tragedies. We found a way to draw strength from those tragedies and use it as inspiration to write what we feel is an incredibly more sound record than the last. On Black Rivers Flow, everyone stepped up their game; the riffs are heavier, the choruses catchier, and the vocals have improved and been diversified tenfold. We are on a mission to show the world that we are a force to be reckoned with and aren't thinking about a trend, we're thinking long term. I think our fans will hear these songs and be blown away. The energy and power this time around is undeniable, and we hope the reaction amongst the community reflects just that."

Church of Misery has been confirmed for the 2011 edition of the Tuska Open Air festival, which will take place at Suvilahti, Helsinki, Finland during July 22nd - 24th. The festival will now feature the addition of a fourth stage. The currently confirmed bands for the festival are as follows:

At The GatesArch EnemyExodusMeshuggahKilling JokeEnslavedMoonsorrowWitcheryAgnostic FrontKvelertakSpiritual BeggarsGraveMygrainChurch Of MiseryMisery Index

Dream Theater has been confirmed to headline the 2011 edition of the High Voltage Festival, which takes place on July 23rd and 24th, 2011 in London. Judas Priest, which recently announced it would be retiring after a final world tour, has also been confirmed for the festival. Additional details on the High Voltage Festival can be found at this location.

Forgotten Tales has issued the following announcement about posting photos online from the release of the "We Shall See The Light" album:

"Hi everyone. Updates were made in the photo section. These pictures were taken by photographers of four webzines from Quebec at the release of the album We shall see the light, Friday November 5th 2010 at l’Impérial de Québec."

Speaking recently to Artisan News Network, Anthrax founder and guitarist Scott Ian gave an update on the progress the band has been making on their new album. You can check out the video below. The album will be their first consisting of all new material since, "We've Come For You All," which was released in 2003. This will also be their first album to feature vocalist Joey Belladonna since "Persistence Of Time," which was released in 1990. More...

In addition to the news yesterday that Slipknot would be headlining next year's edition of Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting, the organisers have now confirmed three of the most legendary names in heavy metal for the event. Headlining the friday will be German hard rock/heavy metal legends the Scorpions, who are performing on their farewell tour and the main stage will be headlined on saturday by "The prince of darkness," Ozzy Osbourne. Metal gods Judas Priest will also be performing on saturday, as part of their farewell tour. The festival takes place in the town of Dessel from June 24th-26th.

Metalhit.com has released a Gothic metal compilation as the latest free download in their free compilation series. The compilation is available for free with the purchase of any $4.99 album at the Metalhit store or it can be downloaded free at Amazon.com or eMusic.com.

British heavy metal band Judas Priest, one of the most influential and most popular heavy metal bands of all time, has announced that they are to perform one more world tour and then retire as a band. The band will be performing at several European festivals next year, including Graspop, Wacken and High Voltage. More dates and statements from band members are to be released soon.

Australian metal band Universum has posted the first mix of their song "Sum Of The Universe" on their MySpace page. The track comes off their upcoming album "Mortuus Machina." The tracklisting for "Mortuus Machina" is as follows: